A Crossley Under Road Test.
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One of the newly-adapted models is the 15-cwt. van built by Crossley Bros., Ltd., Manchester. The sole agent in London and throughout the South Coast for this North of England manufacturer is Charles Jarrott and Letts, Ltd., 46, Great Marlborough Street, Mr., and immediately on arrival of one of the new vans at this company's depot we took the opportunity of examining the model, finally taking it for a trial run under, s as near as posible, service conditions.
The power unit comprises a fourcylinder monobloc engine, the cylinder bore being 80 mm., and the stroke 130 mm. Under test the motor develops 24 b.h.p. when running at 1250 r.p.rn. The crankshaft revolves on five bearings, all of which are supplied with lubricant under pressure. A single camshaft operates the induction and exhaust valves, which are interchangeable, and the camshaft is driven by Coventry silent chain enclosed in an oiltight casing. A Smith carburetter, which is of the four-jet type, is fitted as standard. A leather-faced cone type of clutch transmits the engine power to a four speed gearbox ; the respective speeds are 8, 14, 19 and 27 m.p.h.
We noted with interest that the clutch spigot is positively lubricated each time the clutch pedal is withdrawn ; no oil, however, is directed to this bearing during the running of the engine. An enclosed propeller shaft transmits the power to a bevel-driven live axle. The tube which surrounds the shaft also
serves the purpose of a torque member, thus relieving the threequarter elliptic rear springs from driving torque. The live axle is of the floating type, arid the tubes which go to build up the component take all dead weight. The wheelbase of this van is 10 ft. 4 ins., and the track 4 ft. 91 ins. Dunlop pneumatic tires are fitted, and the sizes are 820 trim by 120 mm. As illustrated the machine sells at 2420.
For the road test the machine left the offices of this journal with a load of 1482 lb. aboard—just over 13.+ cwt., this including three pas
sengers. A run was undertaken to Hampstead Heath, and en route such well-known local inclines as Fitzjohn's Avenue, Holly Hill, Hampstead Hill, Bishop's Avenue, and Netherhall Gardens were negotiated. The engine pulled remarkably well under these trying conditions, and it was noticed that the change-speed lever was only placed in the third speed notch during the most trying part of any acclivity. Observations were taken of its fuel consumption, a temporary tank for the purpose being fitted to the dashboard. In using half a gallon 111 miles were covered.